In nov-2003 I had several stays at Hampton Inn and Hilton Garden Inn (in the SFO bay area) all so-called pre-paid rates.

While pretty sure the rates would have been charged to my credit card as a no-show-up - I (my VISA credit card) have not been charged before departure, and than did include all 'side-costs'.

And in fact, at the Hampton Inn SFO airport North I then paid cash and had no problem to do so.

It was different with a 5-night stay at the (Renaissance) Standford Court, where the rate for the first night was charged immediately after booking.